(StatePoint) Managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is always important, and especially so right now, as individuals living with a chronic lung disease are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. However, misinformation about COVID-19 has made it hard for people with chronic conditions to determine how to stay safe.

(StatePoint) Kicking a smoking habit is a gift that keeps on giving. Your body will experience health benefits almost immediately and in the years to come. While quitting is often easier said than done, relying on tools and support can help. Here are a few tips to help you quit for good:

(StatePoint) Like many Americans, the recent pandemic may have you thinking a lot about your current living space and about buying a home. If you’re a military service member, veteran or family member, both new and tried-and-true tools and resources can streamline the process.

(StatePoint) New data reveals that in uncertain times, consumers and businesses need even greater vigilance when it comes to their cybersecurity.

(StatePoint) One health issue pregnant women should think about is the risk for a dangerous blood clot. Blood clots occur usually in the legs, arms or lungs. Women are especially at risk for a blood clot during pregnancy, childbirth, and the three-month period after delivery.

(StatePoint) Without a few measures in place, your home and garden could be hazardous to birds. Here are some great ways to create a safe haven for beautiful flying visitors.

(StatePoint) With families spending more time at home, messes are on repeat and cleanups are often an hourly routine. At the same time, many households are looking to reduce their environmental impact affordably.

(StatePoint) Your 65th birthday is an important milestone. That’s when you become eligible for the federal Medicare health insurance program.

(StatePoint) For those with diabetes, a seemingly insignificant foot problem can produce dangerous consequences. Experts say that managing this risk is an important part of diabetes care.

(StatePoint) Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for over 24 million Americans. While there is no cure, proper management can help those that live with asthma lead a normal, healthy life.

(StatePoint) A new COVID-19 study is currently enrolling patients, and researchers believe it has the potential to change the course of the virus around the world.

(StatePoint) The back-to-school season may look and feel different this year, but there are some essentials which can aid college students no matter how and where their learning takes place in the fall.

(StatePoint) In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, learning about cross-bore is important, as certain lifestyle changes you may have made over the past few months could turn an existing cross-bore condition into a potentially dangerous situation. Fortunately, unlike many items on your list of concerns these days, cross-bore is something that you can do something about besides just worry.

(StatePoint) As businesses and services reopen nationwide, the death toll from COVID-19 continues to rise, and experts warn that Americans must continue taking precautions to help stop the spread of the virus.

(StatePoint) Cancer can be a difficult and overwhelming diagnosis, and if you have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, your top priority is to get healthy. After your cancer diagnosis, there are many new things you might need to learn and manage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Blood Clot Alliance want you to protect your health by understanding your risk for dangerous blood clots, because cancer and some cancer treatments can increase your risk. About 900,000 people in the U.S. each year are affected by blood clots, and about one in five of these blood clots are associated with cancer.

(StatePoint) Weather impacts a range of decisions we make throughout the day, from what to wear, whether to bring an umbrella, when to head out for a jog, or even if you should evacuate the area in an emergency.

(StatePoint) Summer brain drain is real, and this year’s pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. To keep your kids from getting bored while helping them expand their world, incorporate these cool ideas into those long summer days:

(StatePoint) This back-to-school season may look a little different, but no matter what learning environment kids find themselves in this fall, bullying is a real cause for concern.  

(StatePoint) Financial literacy is an important component of STEAM learning and a building block of a comfortable future. Unfortunately, many schools have limited programs. But there’s good news -- not only can parents impart money-smarts at home -- they can make it so fun kids won’t even realize they’re learning!

(StatePoint) As schools nationwide decide how they’ll reopen for the fall semester, it’s important to schedule your child’s dental visit to ensure they’re in good oral health.

(SPM Wire) August 26 marks National Dog Day. Not only an annual celebration honoring dogs, it is also an awareness campaign meant to encourage the public to acknowledge the overwhelming number of dogs that need to be rescued. Here are a few ways to celebrate your family can celebrate the occasion:

(StatePoint) If you are like many parents these days, you are on a quest to find new ways to entertain the kids at home. This may be a good time to turn to a classic source of fun that requires no charging, batteries or Wi-Fi, making it screen time parents don’t have to limit.

(StatePoint) As the price tag on a college education continues to rise, students are seeking out a variety of financial aid options to relieve the burden.

(StatePoint) Plasma donations are essential. Used to produce life-saving medicines that treat rare and serious diseases, your plasma donation can help save lives. Experts say that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not only safe to donate plasma, but that doing so is vital. By donating plasma today, you can help make a difference not only for patients that need plasma therapies, but to your local community.  

(StatePoint) For military members and their families stationed away and U.S. citizens living abroad, family and friends are vital connections to life back home. For the 2020 general election, those friends can be an important source of voting information, especially for young people voting for the first time. And this year it’s even more important to register and request an absentee ballot early to avoid potential mail delays or other disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life for the 44 million caregivers in the U.S. and the people they care for, with social distancing creating new routines, concerns and challenges.

(StatePoint) If you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered.

(StatePoint) As learning has gone virtual to curb the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators and parents have been left with a pressing concern: how will this experience impact social and emotional development?

(StatePoint) Dementia can be devastating for the people who live with it and their family members, and it’s a diagnosis more Americans will face as the U.S. population ages.

(StatePoint) Children are spending more time online due to social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the internet can be an amazing gateway to knowledge and a tool to connect with family and friends, if parents and caregivers don’t follow certain precautions, it can also pose safety hazards.

(StatePoint) With record numbers of Americans filing for unemployment and many facing income loss, the financial impacts of COVID-19 are far-reaching.

(StatePoint) With hospitals around the country reporting a recent drop in the number of stroke cases arriving in their emergency rooms, some health experts suspect that fear of COVID-19 may be causing people to avoid going to the hospital and calling 911 for non-COVID related medical emergencies, like stroke.

(StatePoint) With social distancing orders in place in many areas across the country, you may be doing your grocery shopping with shelf stability in mind. But this factor should not be your only priority. Right now, it’s especially important that the foods you eat also support your health and longevity.

(StatePoint) The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of aspects of daily life, including regular visits to the dentist.

(StatePoint) Spending time in the hospital can be a challenge, and the last thing you need is another setback on your road to recovery. This is why it is so important to know that being in the hospital -- particularly if you are dealing with surgery, a physical trauma, or a serious illness like cancer -- places you at increased risk for the development of a deadly blood clot.

(StatePoint) With millions of people nationwide filing for unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families across the country are suddenly finding themselves without health insurance at a precarious time. Fortunately, new options may be able to help those on tight budgets.

(StatePoint) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of veterans and active duty military personnel are on lockdown, many suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or substance abuse. With the additional challenge of social isolation, finding ways to combat depression, anxiety and loneliness is critical.

(StatePoint) After years of hearing study after study about the negative effects of excessive screen time, parents are now being told to set aside any concerns about limiting device time.

(StatePoint) Natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency. However, studies show that advance planning can keep individuals healthier and safer and support faster recovery for communities. And one of the most effective ways to prepare is by enforcing up-to-date building codes.

(StatePoint) For many Americans, the current state of the economy is creating real financial challenges and concerns. However, the federal government’s recently enacted CARES Act is intended to provide some financial relief to families and business owners who may be struggling to manage their finances, using cash disbursements, expanded unemployment benefits, and different loans and tax credits.

(StatePoint) Americans are spending more time at home, which means they’re likely spending more time online. While their attention is focused on staying healthy, they shouldn’t forget to stay vigilant about cybersecurity either.

(StatePoint) In these unprecedented and uncertain times, play is critical to physical and emotional well-being, helping both kids and adults decompress and stay positive while providing countless learning opportunities.

(StatePoint) Today many parents are seeking ways to keep their kids engaged and learning beyond the schoolwork remotely assigned by teachers.

(StatePoint) The transition from in-person to online learning isn’t easy, particularly when it comes to mathematics, a subject where many students benefit from classroom learning and individualized attention from their teacher.

(StatePoint) During this unprecedented time, it’s still important to take care of your overall wellness, and your feet are no exception. Healthy feet and ankles are crucial for balance, mobility and a healthy body.

(StatePoint) Millions of U.S. residents will receive government stimulus payments (also known as Economic Impact Payments) under the CARES Act. Payments to eligible recipients will arrive by either direct deposit or a paper check.

(StatePoint) The impact of scientific exploration has vastly shaped the world we live in, and in this challenging time, it has never been more relevant than it is today.

(StatePoint) Self-quarantines and stay-at-home orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are having an impact on employment right now, and that may continue for some time. During this period of uncertainty, finding ways to pay bills or keep medical benefits are top concerns for many. Here are some tips from Janine Nowatzky, managing director of Inside Rx.

(StatePoint) Unfortunately, during times of hardship, families are often targeted by fraud artists attempting to take advantage of those needing assistance. The COVID-19 crisis is no exception, with many scammers pretending to extend a critical lifeline to struggling homeowners through so-called “foreclosure rescue fraud.”

(StatePoint) As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are staying in their homes to help prevent the spread of the disease. Feeling lonely from time to time is natural, but this unprecedented time of social distancing could lead to increased loneliness.

(StatePoint) When it’s not possible to be near loved ones, being connected becomes more important.

(StatePoint) On rainy days, it can be tempting to hand children devices and let them fall down a YouTube rabbit hole. After all, there can be a lot of hours to fill when the weather isn’t cooperating with your weekend plans.

(StatePoint) If you’re like many people, you feel good when you are able to toss items into the recycling bin instead of the trash. But a new report suggests that many of those “recyclable” labels on your products may be misleading, and that much of what you believe will be processed and used again is actually sent to a landfill or incinerator.

(StatePoint) Family caregivers lead busy and at times, stressful lives, often balancing work, their own kids and spouses, hobbies and more, all while ensuring their loved ones are happy and healthy.

(StatePoint) The majority of the more than 25 million Americans living with asthma enjoy active, healthy lives. But for others, despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers, severe symptoms are a part of daily life.

(StatePoint) You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.